Directed gas systems for improving aerodynamics of a vehicle in cross wind conditions

摘要

Systems and methods are disclosed that utilize exhausted gases from an internal combustion engine (e.g., piston engine, rotary engine, turbine engine, etc.) of a vehicle for reducing the aerodynamic drag thereon. In some disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize a generated gas flow from, for example, electric fans, engine driven or pneumatically/hydraulically driven pumps, etc., for reducing aerodynamic drag. The generated gas flows in several disclosed examples are directed in a generally opposing direction of (i.e., against) prevailing cross winds.

主权项

1. A vehicle having a longitudinal axis and left and right sides positioned laterally outwardly of the longitudinal axis, comprising:
a front section; a cross wind sensor configured to generate an output indicative of a yaw angle of an exterior cross wind flow impinging on the vehicle, wherein the yaw angle of the cross wind flow is determined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and a directed gas generation unit configured to generate a stream of pressurized gas and to direct the stream of pressurized gas forwardly of the front section and laterally outwardly of either the left or right side of the vehicle at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, wherein the acute angle is based at least in part on the output of the cross wind sensor.